Methods of forming channels on an integrated circuit die and die cooling systems including such channels

ABSTRACT

A method of forming channels on a die or other substrate. Also disclosed are liquid cooling systems including such channels.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to the packaging of an integratedcircuit die and, more particularly, to methods of forming channels on adie or other substrate, as well as die cooling systems including suchchannels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Illustrated in FIG. 1 is a conventional packaged integrated circuit (IC)device 100. The IC device 100 includes a die 110 that is disposed on asubstrate 120, this substrate often referred to as the “packagesubstrate.” The die 110 may comprise a microprocessor, a networkprocessor, or other processing device. Die 110 may be coupled with thesubstrate using, for example, a Controlled Collapse Chip Connection (or“C4”) assembly technique, wherein a plurality of leads, or bond pads, onthe die 110 are electrically connected to a corresponding plurality ofleads, or lands, on the substrate 120 by an array of connection elements130 (e.g., solder bumps, columns, etc.). Circuitry on the packagesubstrate 120, in turn, routes the die leads to locations on thesubstrate 120 where electrical connections can be established with anext-level component (e.g., a motherboard, a computer system, a circuitboard, another IC device, etc.). For example, the substrate circuitrymay route all signal lines to a pin-grid array 125—or, alternatively, aball-grid array - formed on a lower surface of the package substrate120. The pin-grid (or ball-grid) array then electrically couples the dieto the next-level component, which includes a mating array of terminals(e.g., pin sockets, bond pads, etc.).

During operation of the IC device 100, heat generated by the die 110 candamage the die if this heat is not transferred away from the die orotherwise dissipated. To remove heat from the die 110, the die 110 mayultimately be coupled with a heat sink 170 via a number of thermallyconductive components, including a first thermal interface 140, a heatspreader 150, and a second thermal interface 160. The first thermalinterface 140 is coupled with an upper surface of the die 110, and thisthermal interface conducts heat from the die and to the heat spreader150. Heat spreader 150 conducts heat laterally within itself to “spread”the heat laterally outwards from the die 110, and the heat spreader 150also conducts the heat to the second thermal interface 160. The secondthermal interface 160 conducts the heat to heat sink 170, whichtransfers the heat to the ambient environment. Heat sink 170 may includea plurality of fins 172, or other similar features providing increasedsurface area, to facilitate convection of heat to the surrounding air.The IC device 100 may also include a seal element 180 to seal the die110 from the operating environment.

The heat sink 170, heat spreader 150, and first and second thermalinterface devices 140, 160 collectively form a cooling system for thedie 110. The power dissipation of microprocessors and other processingdevices generally increases with each design generation, as theoperating frequencies of these devices are ratcheted upwards. Also, thedesign and operating conditions for a die may lead to “hot spots” on thedie where the local temperature is significantly greater than insurrounding regions on the die, and a failure to adequately extract heatfrom such hot spots may lead to damage and/or a degradation inperformance of the die. Thus, the thermal performance of die coolingsystems in future generations of IC devices will become increasinglycritical, and the thermal performance required for these devices maypush the limits of the conventional cooling system illustrated in FIG.1.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-sectional elevationview of a conventional integrated circuit package.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method offorming channels on a die or other substrate.

FIGS. 3A-3H are schematic diagrams further illustrating the method shownin FIG. 2.

FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram illustrating a plan view of an IC deviceincluding an embodiment of a coo ling system.

FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-sectional elevationview of the IC device of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a schematic diagram illustrating an elevation view of afurther embodiment of the IC device of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram illustrating a plan view of an IC deviceincluding another embodiment of a cooling system.

FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-sectional elevationview of the IC device of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of apattern of channels formed according to the disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a further embodiment of apattern of channels formed according to the disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a computersystem, which may include a component having channels formed accordingto the disclosed embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

One possible solution to meet the heat dissipation needs ofmicroprocessors and other processing devices is to employ a liquidcooling system—e.g., an active cooling system—rather than (or incombination with) heat sinks and other passive heat removal components.Disclosed herein are embodiments of a method for forming channels on adie, heat spreader, or other substrate, as well as embodiments of aliquid cooling system employing these channels for fluid flow.

Illustrated in FIG. 2 are embodiments of a method for forming channelson a die, heat spreader, or other substrate. The method of FIG. 2 isfurther illustrated in the schematic diagrams provided in FIGS. 3Athrough 3H, and reference should be made to these figures as called outin the text below.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a seed layer of a metal is deposited on asurface of a substrate, as set forth in block 210. This is illustratedin FIG. 3A, which shows a substrate 310, and a seed layer 320 of a metalhas been formed over a surface of this substrate. As will be describedin greater detail below, the metal seed layer provides a metal surfaceupon which additional layers of the metal may be deposited to formchannels. In one embodiment, the metal seed layer comprises a thermallyconductive metal and, in a further embodiment, the metal seed layercomprises copper or an alloy of copper. However, the metal may compriseany suitable thermally conductive metal (e.g., nickel) or otherthermally conductive material (including non-metals). In a furtherembodiment, the seed layer is also electrically conductive (e.g., tofacilitate electroplating). Any suitable blanket deposition process maybe used to deposit the seed layer of metal, such as physical vapordeposition (PVD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), etc.

In a further embodiment, prior to deposition of the seed layer, anadhesive layer may be deposited over the substrate surface, and thisadhesive layer (not shown in figures) would promote adhesion between theseed layer and the substrate. Examples of materials that may be suitablefor the adhesive layer include Ta, TaN, Ti, TiSi, TiSiN, and Ru, as wellas combinations of these materials. Any suitable deposition technique(e.g., PVD, CVD, etc.) may be used to apply the adhesive layer.

In one embodiment, the substrate comprises an integrated circuit (IC)die. For an IC die employing a C4 technique for making electricalconnections with a next-level component—e.g., a ball-grid array (BGA)connection scheme—one surface of the die will include an array of bondpads to be used for establishing electrical connections, and the seedlayer may be deposited over an opposing side of the die. As the readerwill appreciate, during the manufacture of IC devices, a number ofseparate die are typically formed on a wafer, and the disclosedembodiments may be practiced on a number of die that comprise a waferprior to singulation of the die. Thus, in another embodiment, thesubstrate comprises a wafer upon which a number of IC die are being (orhave been) formed. The wafer may comprise any suitable material—e.g.,silicon, silicon-on-insulator (SOI), GaAs, etc. In a further embodiment,the substrate comprises a heat spreader. This beat spreader may, in oneembodiment, be adapted for coupling with an IC die. It should, however,be understood that an IC die and heat spreader are but a few examples ofthe types of components upon which the disclosed embodiments may findapplication, and these examples are presented without limitation.

Referring to block 220 in FIG. 2, a layer of a sacrificial material isdeposited over the seed layer. This is illustrated in FIG. 3B, where alayer of sacrificial material 330 has been formed over the metal seedlayer 320. As suggested above, additional metal will be deposited overthe metal seed layer, and this metal will form a structure defining anumber of channels, and the sacrificial material will be subsequentlyremoved during formation of these channels, as will be described below.The sacrificial material may comprise any material that can be readilyremoved without removal of the metal or, alternatively, that can beremoved at a much faster rate than the removal rate of the metal. In oneembodiment, the sacrificial material comprises a dielectric material orother insulating material. In another embodiment, the sacrificialmaterial comprises a photoresist material. Examples of sacrificialmaterials include silicon dioxide (SiO₂) and other oxide materials, aswell as nitride materials (e.g., Si₃N₄, AlN, etc.). Any suitable blanketdeposition process (e.g., PVD, CVD, etc.) may be used to deposit thesacrificial material layer 330.

Trenches are then formed in the sacrificial layer, as set forth in block230. This is illustrated in FIG. 3C, which shows a number of trenches332 that have been formed in the sacrificial material layer 330, whereinportions 334 of the sacrificial material layer remain. The trenches 332are formed down to the underlying metal seed layer 320, such that themetal seed layer 320 is exposed at the bottom 336 of each trench 332.Any suitable photolithography and etching techniques may be employed tocreate the trenches 332. The trenches 332 will be filled with a metalmaterial and the remaining portions 334 of the sacrificial layer 330ultimately removed to form the channels, as will be described in moredetail below.

Referring next to block 240, a layer of metal is then deposited over theexposed seed layer within the trenches. This is illustrated in FIG. 3D,where a layer of metal 340 has been deposited over the exposed seedlayer 320 within each of the trenches 332. Note that the metal layer 340within each trench 332 substantially fills the trench and extends overthe upper edges of the trench and onto an upper surface of thesacrificial material layer 330. However, gaps 342 remain between themetal material extending from adjacent metal-filled trenches, and thesegaps 342 expose the underlying sacrificial material (which is to besubsequently removed).

The metal layer 340 will generally comprise the same metal as that ofthe seed layer 320 (however, it is within the scope of the disclosedembodiments that the metal layer 340 comprise a metal different thanthat of the seed layer 320). In one embodiment, the metal layer (andseed layer) comprises copper or an alloy of copper. However, the metallayer (and seed layer) may comprise any suitable thermally conductivemetal (e.g., nickel) or other thermally conductive material (includingnon-metals). Also, in a further embodiment, the metal layer comprises anelectrically conductive material (e.g., to facilitate electroplating).In one embodiment, the metal 340 is selectively deposited on the exposedseed layer 320 using an electroplating process. In another embodiment,the metal 340 is selectively deposited on the exposed seed layer 320using an electroless plating process. For either the electroplating orelectroless plating processes, any suitable plating solution and/orprocess parameters may be employed.

The remaining portions of the sacrificial material are then removed, asset forth in block 250. This is illustrated in FIG. 3E, where theremaining sacrificial material has been removed, forming open channels350 between sidewalls formed from the metal material 340 (e.g., themetal material deposited in the trenches of the sacrificial material).Note that the gaps 342 existing between adjacent portions of the metalmaterial 340 still remain. The sacrificial material may be removed usingany process which removes the sacrificial material without removing themetal material 340 (or underlying seed layer 320), or using any processwhich removes the sacrificial material at a much greater rate than theremoval rate of the metal material 340. In one embodiment, thesacrificial material is removed using a selective chemical etch process.In another embodiment, the sacrificial material is removed using athermal decomposition process. In a further embodiment, the sacrificialmaterial is removed using a combination of selective etching and thermaldecomposition.

With reference now to block 260, additional metal is deposited over theexisting metal to close the gaps. This is illustrated in FIG. 3F, whereadditional metal 360 has been deposited over the existing metal 340 toclose the gaps 342, thereby closing the channels 350. However, thechannels 350 will still be accessible (e.g., at their ends) to allow forthe inlet (and outlet) of fluid into the channels (examples of liquidcooling systems employing such channels will be described below withrespect to FIGS. 4A-4C and 5A-5B). Generally, the additional metal 360will comprise the same metal as the underlying metal 340 (e.g., copperor an alloy thereof). Any suitable process may be employed to depositthe additional metal (e.g., electroplating or electroless plating).

As set forth at block 270, the metal is then reflowed to seal off thechannels. This is illustrated in FIG. 3G, where the metal (e.g.,additional metal 360 and underlying metal 340) has been reflowed to forma metal layer 370 through which the now sealed channels 350 extend.Again, although the reflow process forms a seal (by reflowing the metal340, 360 over gaps 342), it should be understood that the channels 350are still accessible for fluid flow, as previously noted. Any suitableprocess may be employed to reflow the metal. In one embodiment, themetal 340, 360 is reflowed at a temperature between 200° C. and 400° C.(e.g., as for copper).

In a further embodiment, which is illustrated in block 280, a thermalinterface material is deposited over the metal layer. This isillustrated in FIG. 3H, which shows a layer of thermal interfacematerial 380 that has been deposited over the metal layer 370. Thethermal interface layer 380 may be used to couple the substrate 310 toanother component, such as a passive thermal dissipation device. Forexample, where the substrate 310 comprises a die, the thermal interfacelayer 380 may be used to couple the die (and metal layer 370 havingchannels 350) to a heat spreader and/or a heat sink. By way of furtherexample, where the substrate 310 comprises a heat spreader, the thermalinterface layer 380 may be used to couple the heat spreader with a dieand/or a heat sink. The thermal interface layer 380 may comprise anysuitable thermally conductive metal or other thermally conductivematerial (including non-metals), such as solder, nickel, copper, athermal grease, a thermally conductive epoxy, etc. Any suitabledeposition technique may be employed to apply the thermal interfacelayer 380.

In yet another embodiment, which is illustrated in block 290, fluidcommunication is established with the channels. For example, thechannels 350 may form part of a liquid cooling system, wherein a fluidis pumped through the channels 350 to cool the substrate 310. Variousembodiments of a die cooling system utilizing the disclosed channels(such as those shown and described above with respect to FIG. 2 andFIGS. 3A-3H) are illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C and 5A-5B, which aredescribed below.

The channels 350 may have any suitable dimensions. In one embodiment,the channels 350 have a depth (d)—and the sacrificial material layer athickness—of between 10 μm and 500 μm. In a further embodiment, thechannels 350 have a depth (d) of approximately 50 μm. In one embodiment,the channels 350 have a width (w) of between 5 μm and 50 μm (see FIG.3G). Also, the formation of a relatively small number of channels 350 isdepicted in FIGS. 3A-3H for ease of illustration; however, it should beunderstood that any suitable number of channels may be formed accordingto the disclosed embodiments. Further, it should be understood thatchannels formed according to the disclosed embodiments may be arrangedin any suitable pattern.

In yet another embodiment, the substrate 310 may be thinned prior toformation of the channels 350. Thinning of the substrate 310 candecrease the thermal resistance between integrated circuitry formed on afront side of the substrate and the channels 350, which may be formed onan opposing backside of the substrate. Any suitable technique may beemployed to thin the substrate 310, such as lapping, grinding,chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP), etc. Also, where the substrate 310comprises a heat spreader, the die to which the heat spreader isattached may be thinned in a similar fashion.

Turning now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, illustrated is an embodiment of an ICdevice 400 having a liquid cooling system including a number ofchannels, and these channels may be formed according to the disclosedembodiments. A plan view of the IC device 400 is shown in FIG. 4A, and across-sectional elevation view of the IC device 400, as taken along lineA-A of FIG. 4A, is shown in FIG. 4B.

The IC device 400 includes a die 410 having a plurality of leads 415(e.g., an array of solder bumps, each extending from a bond pad on die410) formed on one side of the die. The die 410 may comprise any type ofintegrated circuit device, such as a microprocessor, network processor,or other processing device. Disposed on an opposing side if the die 410is a number of channels 420. In one embodiment, the channels 420 areformed according to the embodiments disclosed above with respect toFIGS. 2 and 3A-3H and the accompanying text. Channels 420 may, in oneembodiment, be formed from copper or an alloy of copper.

Also disposed on the opposing side of the die 410 is a barrier 430. Inone embodiment, the barrier comprises a wall extending about a peripheryof the die, the wall having a height substantially the same as a heightof the structure within which the channels 420 are formed. The barrier430 may, in one embodiment, be formed in conjunction with formation ofchannels 420 and, in another embodiment, the barrier 430 comprises thesame material as that used to construct channels 420 (e.g., copper).

The barrier 430 defines an interior region 435 that extends over theopposing side of die 410 and encompasses the channels 420. Alsocontained within the interior region 435 and defined, at least in part,by barrier 430 is an inlet fluid reservoir 440 and an outlet fluidreservoir 450. The inlet fluid reservoir 440 is in fluid communicationwith at least some of the channels 420, and the outlet fluid reservoir450 is also in fluid communication with at least some of the channels420.

A cover plate 460 is then coupled with the die 410, as shown in FIG. 4B.Note that, for ease of illustration, the IC device 400 is shown with thecover plate 460 removed in FIG. 4A. The cover plate 460 includes a firstaperture 461 in fluid communication with the inlet reservoir 440 and asecond aperture 462 in fluid communication with the outlet reservoir 450(the locations of the apertures 461, 462 are shown in dashed line inFIG. 4A). Cover plate 460 may be constructed from any suitable materialand, in one embodiment, the cover plate 460 is comprised of a thermallyconductive material (e.g., copper or an alloy thereof).

The cover plate 460 may be attached to the barrier 430 and, in a furtherembodiment, the cover plate 460 is also attached to the structure ofchannels 420 (e.g., to an upper surface 423 of the channel structure). Afluid seal may be formed between the barrier 420 and cover plate 460 toprevent liquid coolant from leaking onto the die 410 (or othersurrounding components). Also, a fluid seal may be provided between theupper surface 423 of:the channel structure and the cover plate 460, suchthat coolant cannot leak between the inlet and outlet reservoirs 440,450, thereby bypassing the channels 420.

As shown in FIG. 4B, a first fluidic connection 470 is formed with thefirst aperture 461 in cover plate 460 and, similarly, a second fluidicconnection 480 is formed with the second aperture 462 in the cover plate460. In one embodiment, each of the first and second fluidic connections470, 480 comprises a piece of tubing attached to their respectiveaperture in cover plate 460 using any one of a swaging technique, abonding process (e.g., epoxy bonding), or tapped fittings. Through thefirst fluidic connection 470 and first aperture 461, a liquid coolantcan be introduced into the inlet reservoir 440 under a pressuresufficient to cause the liquid to flow into the channels 420 and towardsoutlet reservoir 450 (see arrow 401). Sufficient fluid pressure may beprovided by a pump (not shown in figures). As the liquid coolant flowsthrough the channels 420 and into the outlet reservoir 450, the coolantwill extract heat from the die 410. Coolant flowing into the outletreservoir 450 can then be drawn out through the second aperture 462 andsecond fluidic connection 480. Examples of liquid coolants include: amixture of water and a corrosion inhibitor, a mixture of water andethylene glycol, a mixture of water and propylene glycol, an alcohol(e.g., ethanol), and a light weight oil. Also, either single-phasecooling (e.g., where the coolant remains a liquid) or two-phase cooling(e.g., where a portion of a liquid coolant is vaporized to create aliquid-vapor mixture) may be employed.

Referring to FIG. 4C, in a further embodiment, the IC device 400 iscoupled with a package substrate 490. The die leads 415 are coupled witha mating array of terminals on the package substrate 490. Packagesubstrate 490 may include an array of leads 495 (e.g., a ball grid arrayor a pin grid array, as shown) to couple the package assembly with anext-level component, such as a motherboard, a computer system, acircuit board, another IC device; etc.

Turning next to FIGS. 5A and 5B, illustrated in another embodiment of anIC device 500 having a liquid cooling system including a number ofchannels, which channels may be formed according to the disclosedembodiments. A plan view of the IC device 500 is shown in FIG. 5B, and across-sectional elevation view of the IC device 500, as taken along lineA-A of FIG. 5A, is shown in FIG. 5B.

The IC device 500 includes a die 510 having a plurality of leads 515(e.g., an array of solder bumps, each extending from a bond pad on die510) formed on one side of the die. Die 510 may comprise any type ofintegrated circuit device, such as a microprocessor, network processor,or other processing device. Disposed on an opposing side of the die 510is a number of channels 520. In one embodiment, the channels 520 areformed according to the embodiments disclosed above with respect toFIGS. 2 and 3A-3H and the accompanying text. The channels 520 may, inone embodiment, be formed from copper or an alloy of copper.

The IC device 500 includes a substrate 590. In one embodiment, thesubstrate 590 comprises a number of layers of metallization, each layerof metallization separated from adjacent layers by a layer of dielectricmaterial. Formed on an upper surface 598 of the substrate 590 is a dierecess 592 that is sized and shaped to receive die 510. Die 510 isdisposed in the die recess 592, and the die leads 515 are coupled withcorresponding lands on the substrate 590. Signal traces formed withinthe metallization layers of the substrate 590 route the die leads to anarray of leads 595 (e.g., a ball grid array or a pin grid array, asshown) formed on an opposing lower surface of the substrate 590. Thesubstrate leads 595 couple the IC device 500 with a next-levelcomponent, such as a motherboard, a computer system, a circuit board,another IC device, etc.

Also formed in the upper surface 598 of substrate 590 is an inlet fluidreservoir 540 and an outlet fluid reservoir 550. The die recess 592 isformed to a depth greater than a depth of the inlet and outlet fluidreservoirs 540, 550, such that the channels 520 extending across die 510are at approximately the same elevation as the inlet and outletreservoirs 540, 550, respectively. The inlet reservoir 540 is in fluidcommunication with at least some of the channels 520, and the outletreservoir 550 is also in fluid communication with at least some of thechannels 520. Inlet reservoir 540 includes an inlet port 542 and,similarly, outlet reservoir 550 includes an outlet port 552, both formedin substrate 590.

A cover plate 560 is then coupled with the substrate 590, as shown inFIG. 5B. Note that, for ease of illustration, the IC device 500 is shownwith the cover plate 560 removed in FIG. 5A. In one embodiment, the dierecess 592 in substrate 590 has a depth such that an upper surface 523of the channel structure on die 510 is at substantially the sameelevation as the upper surface 598 of the substrate. In this embodiment,the cover plate 560 is also coupled with the upper surface 523 of thechannel structure on die 510. The cover plate 560 may be constructedfrom any suitable material. In one embodiment, the cover plate 560 iscomprised of a plastic material, and in another embodiment, the coverplate comprises a metal material (e.g., copper or an alloy thereof).Cover plate 560 may be attached to the substrate 590 and die 520 usingan epoxy bonding process, wherein the epoxy bond provides a fluid sealbetween the cover plate 560 and the upper surface 598 of substrate 590and between the cover plate 560 and upper surface 523 of the channelstructure on die 510. Alternatively, the cover plate may be mechanicallyattached to the substrate (e.g., as by mechanical fasteners), wherein asealing compound (e.g., a silicone material) disposed between the coverplate 560 and the substrate 590 and the channel structure on die 510provides a fluid seal.

The fluid seal provided between the cover plate 560 and the substrate590 will prevent fluid leakage out of the IC package 500 (and on toother surrounding components), whereas the fluid seal between the coverplate 560 and upper surface 523 of the channel structure on die 510 willprevent fluid leakage between the inlet and outlet reservoirs 540, 550,such leakage potentially causing fluid to bypass the channels 520 on die510. In addition, a sealing element 527 may be disposed between the die510 and the substrate 590 (see FIG. 5B), and this sealing element 527will prevent fluid leakage to locations within die recess 592 andunderneath the die 510.

As shown in FIG. 5B, a first fluidic connection 570 is formed with theinlet port 542 and, similarly, a second fluidic connection 580 is formedwith the outlet port 552. In one embodiment, each of the first andsecond fluidic connections 570, 580 comprises a piece of tubing attachedto their respective port using any one of a swaging technique, a bondingprocess (e.g., epoxy bonding), or tapped fittings. Through the firstfluidic connection 570 and inlet port 542, a liquid coolant can beintroduced into the inlet reservoir 540 under a pressure sufficient tocause the liquid to flow into the channels 520 and towards outletreservoir 550 (see arrow 501). Sufficient fluid pressure may be providedby a pump (not shown in figures). As the liquid coolant flows throughthe channels 520 and into the outlet reservoir 550, the coolant willextract heat from the die 510. Coolant flowing into the outlet reservoir550 can then be drawn out through the outlet port 552 and second fluidicconnection 580. As noted above, examples of liquid coolants include: amixture of water and a corrosion inhibitor, a mixture of water andethylene glycol, a mixture of water and propylene glycol, an alcohol(e.g., ethanol), and a light weight oil. Also, as previously noted,either single-phase or two-phase cooling may be employed.

In each of FIGS. 4A-4B and 5A-5B, the channels were formed on the die ina pattern comprising a number of channels extending longitudinallyacross the die from one edge to an opposing edge of the die. However, itshould be understood that the disclosed embodiments are not limited tothese patterns and, further, that a number of channels may be formedhaving any desired pattern. Additional examples of channel patterns areshown in each of FIGS. 6 and 7.

Referring first to FIG. 6, an IC device 600 includes a die 610 having anumber of channels 620 formed over a surface of the die. Each of thechannels 620 comprises both a longitudinally extending segment and atransversely extending segment and, further, each channel extendsbetween one edge and an adjacent, perpendicular edge. Referring to FIG.7, an IC device 700 includes a die 710 having a number of channels 720formed over a surface of the die. Each of the channels 720 of FIG. 7again comprises both a longitudinally extending segment and atransversely extending segment, and at least some of the channels 720include a segment oriented at an angle relative to the longitudinal andtransverse segments. For the embodiment of FIG. 7, however, the channels720 are arranged in spaced-apart groups 705 a, 705 b, 705 c, and such apattern may be useful where it is desired to cool specific hot spots onthe die 710. Of course, it should be understood that FIGS. 6 and 7 arebut a few additional examples of the arrangement of channels on an ICdie, and these examples are presented without limitation.

Referring to FIG. 8, illustrated is an embodiment of a computer system800. Computer system 800 includes a bus 805 to which various componentsare coupled. Bus 805 is intended to represent a collection of one ormore buses—e.g., a system bus, a Peripheral Component Interface (PCI)bus, a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) bus, etc.—thatinterconnect the components of system 800. Representation of these busesas a single bus 805 is provided for ease of understanding, and it shouldbe understood that the system 800 is not so limited. Those of ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate that the computer system 800 may haveany suitable bus architecture and may include any number and combinationof buses.

Coupled with bus 805 is a processing device (or devices) 810. Theprocessing device 810 may comprise any suitable processing device orsystem, including a microprocessor, a network processor, an applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a field programmable gate array(FPGA), or similar device. It should be understood that, although FIG. 8shows a single processing device 810, the computer system 800 mayinclude two or more processing devices.

Computer system 800 also includes system memory 820 coupled with bus805, the system memory 810 comprising, for example, any suitable typeand number of memories, such as static random access memory (SRAM),dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), or doubledata rate DRAM (DDRDRAM). During operation of computer system 800, anoperating system and other applications may be resident in the systemmemory 820.

The computer system 800 may further include a read-only memory (ROM) 830coupled with the bus 805. During operation, the ROM 830 may storetemporary instructions and variables for processing device 810. Thesystem 800 may also include a storage device (or devices) 840 coupledwith the bus 805. The storage device 840 comprises any suitablenon-volatile memory, such as, for example, a hard disk drive. Theoperating system and other programs may be stored in the storage device840. Further, a device 850 for accessing removable storage media (e.g.,a floppy disk drive or a CD ROM drive) may be coupled with bus 805.

The computer system 800 may also include one or more I/O (Input/Output)devices 860 coupled with the bus 805. Common input devices includekeyboards, pointing devices such as a mouse, as well as other data entrydevices, whereas common output devices include video displays, printingdevices, and audio output devices. It will be appreciated that these arebut a few examples of the types of I/O devices that may be coupled withthe computer system 800.

The computer system 800 further comprises a network interface 870coupled with bus 805. The network interface 870 comprises any suitablehardware, software, or combination of hardware and software that iscapable of coupling the system 800 with a network (e.g., a networkinterface card). The network interface 870 may establish a link with thenetwork (or networks) over any suitable medium—e.g., wireless, copperwire, fiber optic, or a combination thereof—supporting the exchange ofinformation via any suitable protocol—e.g., TCP/IP (Transmission ControlProtocol/Internet Protocol), HTTP (Hyper-Text Transmission Protocol), aswell as others.

It should be understood that the computer system 800 illustrated in FIG.8 is intended to represent an exemplary embodiment of such a system and,further, that this system may include many additional components, whichhave been omitted for clarity and ease of understanding. By way ofexample, the system 800 may include a DMA (direct memory access)controller, a chip set associated with the processing device 810,additional memory (e.g., a cache memory), as well as additional signallines and buses. Also, it should be understood that the computer system800 may not include all of the components shown in FIG. 8.

In one embodiment, the computer system 500 includes a component havingchannels formed according to the disclosed embodiments, and in a furtherembodiment, the component includes a cooling system that utilizes thechannels. For example, the processing device 510 of system 500 may beembodied as the IC device 400 of FIGS. 4A-4C or as the IC device 500 ofFIGS. 5A-5B. However, it should be understood that other components ofsystem 500 (e.g., network interface 570, etc.) may include a devicehaving channels formed according to the disclosed embodiments.

Embodiments of a method 200 for forming channels in a die or othersubstrate, as well as embodiments of IC devices 400, 500 having coolingsystems including such channels, having been described above, the readerwill appreciate the advantages of the disclosed embodiments. Directfabrication of the channels on a die (or other substrate) may result ina very low thermal contact resistance between the die and the channelstructure. The process of forming the channels can be cost effective, asthe channels are formed using an electroplating or electroless platingprocess and, further, because the channel forming process may requirejust a single mask step. Also, the disclosed embodiments allow for theformation of channels on a die without the need to performmicromachining of the die. Further, the disclosed embodiments may becompatible with a thin die. In addition, where the channel structure isformed from copper or another thermally conductive material, the channelstructure can also function as a heat spreader.

The foregoing detailed description and accompanying drawings are onlyillustrative and not restrictive. They have been provided primarily fora clear and comprehensive understanding of the disclosed embodiments andno unnecessary limitations are to be understood therefrom. Numerousadditions, deletions, and modifications to the embodiments describedherein, as well as alternative arrangements, may be devised by thoseskilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the disclosedembodiments and the scope of the appended claims.

1-25. (canceled)
 26. A device comprising: an integrated circuit die; anda cooling system coupled with the die, the cooling system comprising anumber of channels disposed over a surface of the die, a barrierdisposed on the die surface, the barrier extending about a periphery ofthe die and defining an interior region including the channels, an inletreservoir within the interior region of the barrier, the inlet reservoirin fluid communication with at least some of the channels, and an outletreservoir within the interior region of the barrier, the outletreservoir in fluid communication with at least some of the channels. 27.The device of claim 26, further comprising a cover plate coupled withthe die, the cover plate extending over the barrier and the interiorregion, the cover plate including a first aperture in fluidcommunication with the inlet reservoir and a second aperture in fluidcommunication with the outlet reservoir.
 28. The device of claim 27,further comprising: a first fluidic connection coupled with the firstaperture and the inlet reservoir; and a second fluidic connectioncoupled with the second aperture and the outlet reservoir.
 29. Thedevice of claim 26, wherein the channels are formed from a materialcomprising copper. 30-41. (canceled)